What happens when you shortcut your own camping rules??
Rule #1. Always check ahead for campground availability
Rule #2 Always have 10 to 15 gallons of fresh water on board

DW and I decided to take a last minute trip to Grand Teton NP.
Unseasonably warm fall weather so we thought let's see if we can shoot some fall colors and take a last camping trip before winterizing. Mind you the TT was already drained and ready to winterize. So, we pack up and head out for the 5 hr. drive to Teton.
I was sure the park campgrounds were open until the end of the month.
They were closed for the season! Seems they close in "early October".
So, usually no problem. Just find a dirt road and a flat spot and dry camp. Except we were running dry. No on-board water.
This is what I call a "Double Dumb *****"
Two simple rules, Check ahead and carry some water.
Result: Had to find a private RV park for the night and start over the next day.
Anyone else have a similar "word to the wise" story they'd care to share??

Not dumb, just something I learned this past trip (last week). We pulled into a site at our local campground and the site was a little small length wise for the truck and camper. Once the camper was positioned had a heck of job getting the hitch stabilization bars off since the truck and camper were not straight. Lesson learned. Once at the campground remove the stabilization bars from the hitch before driving to the site. You really don't need them since you will be driving slow, and removing them actually gives you more maneuverability if needed. After almost 30 years of towing campers of various size, I learned something new.